WEBVTT MORE ENERGETIC, AND VIEWS THIS AS A CHANCE TO IMPROVE ON HIS MOBILITY. HE’S ON BLOOD THINNER BECAUSE OF A CLOT, BUT CANCER-FREE. SPORTING A BEARD FOR THE FIRST TIME, THINNER AND, AS WE MENTIONED TO HIM, IN FINE SELF-EFFACING SPIRIT. >> THANK YOU, JOHN. I TOLD YOU I WANTED TO LOSE WEIGHT FOR THE SUMMER. BUT I DIDN’T REALIZE HOW DRASTICALLY I WAS GOING TO LOSE WEIGHT. JOHN: THOUGH TODD PORTUNE REMAINS ON THE RECOVERY LIST AFTER A LEFT LEG AMPUTATION THIS SPRING, HE HAS RETURNED TO HIS ROLE AS PRESIDENT OF THE HAMILTON COUNTY COMMISSION. THIS WEEK’S MEETING WAS HELD AT THE UC MEDICAL SCIENCE BUILDING SO HE COULD BE PHYSICALLY PRESENT. AND HE LAUNCHED INTO ISSUES SUCH AS THE BUDGET, RAIL SERVICE, THE MUSIC VENUE, AND INSISTED ON STANDING FOR A POST-MEETING INTERVIEW WITH MEDIA BECAUSE, AS HE PUT IT, THAT’S WHERE HE’S HEADED. >> I THINK, AS A LOT OF YOU KNOW, I WAS A RUNNER, ATHLETIC, THROUGH COLLEGE AND BEYOND. WHO KNOWS? I MIGHT EVEN BE ABLE TO DO THAT, JOHN, I’LL SEE YOU HERE IN THE FLYING PIG A YEAR FROM NOW. ALL RIGHT? WE’LL PUT THAT CHALLENGE OUT THERE. JOHN: PORTUNE IS NOT ONE TO BE COWED BY CHALLENGE. DOCTORS FOUND TUMORS ON HIS SPINE 20 YEARS AGO. HE ENDURED SEVERAL LIFE-THREATENING SURGERIES, PERSEVERED THROUGH PARTIAL PARALYSIS, DID NOT SIT STILL FOR THE NOTION OF BEING WHEELCHAIR-BOUND. SAYS HE FEELS SO MUCH BETTER THAN HE HAS IN MANY YEARS. HE’LL HAVE THE ASSISTANCE OF HEAD NURSE HOLLY STEWART FOR ANOTHER FEW DAYS. >> OK, WE ALL SAID? >> GOT YOUR PHONE? >> BEHIND YOU, ALL SET. JOHN: ONCE SWELLING RECEDES HE’LL BE FITTED FOR AN ARTIFICIAL LIMB. >> THE PSYCHOLOGICAL ASPECT OF THIS IS ALL GOOD. IT’S ALL POSITIVE. IT’S OK. WELL, WE KNOW WHAT WE HAVE TO DO , SO NOW LET’S GO DO IT. JOHN: PORTUNE ANTICIPATES HE WILL BE DISCHARGED ON SATURDAY. SAYS HE DOESN’T PLAN ON MISSING ANY UPCOMING MEETINGS, HEARINGS, OR COUNTY BUSINESS WORK. HE HAD THREE WORDS TO SU

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In his typical positive fashion, Portune told members of the media he feels better than he has felt in a long time, is much more energetic and views what has happened as a chance to improve on his mobility.

Portune explained he is on a blood thinner because of a clot, but 100 percent cancer-free.

Sporting a beard for the first time and appearing thinner than a month ago, he displayed fine self-effacing humor.

"I told you I wanted to lose weight for the summer. But I didn't realize how drastically I was going to lose weight," he said.

Though he remains on the recovery list currently, he has returned to his role as president of the commission.

This week's meeting was held at the UC Medical Science Building so he could be physically present.

He had been calling in to participate in the meetings, but could only vote by being actually at the meeting.

He opened the session per usual with the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silent prayer, poignantly asking those who are able to stand to please do so.

He rose up from his wheelchair and stood.

After launching into various issues such as the county budget, rail service and the music venue, he also insisted on standing for a post-meeting interview with media because -- as he put it -- "that's where I'm headed."

"I think as a lot of you know, I was a runner, athletic through college and beyond. Who knows? I might even be able to do that..."

Portune is not one to be cowed by challenge.

Doctors found tumors on his spine 20 years ago.

He endured several life-threatening surgeries, persevered through partial paralysis and did not sit still for the notion of being wheelchair-bound.

He'll have the assistance of head nurse Holly Stewart for another few days.

Once the swelling recedes, he'll be fitted for an artificial limb.

"The psychological aspect of this is all good," Portune stated. "It's all positive. It's OK. We know what we have to do so let's go do it."